Shi Hu looked over Snake, Ox, and Rooster, the three members of the ShengXiao who answered to the Jade Lotus and therefore to him. They were kneeling before him, ready to give their excuses as to why this trip to the far eastern edge of the Tuqu empire had been a waste of time. He started with Rooster.

“Report,” he said.

The proud cock’s comb sagged.

“I have not been able to find either the weapon or the mask within the city limits. I haven’t even been able to confirm that they made it into the city.”

“Nonsense, of course they made it here,” said Snake. “Dog tracked them this far.”

“Then Dog should have led this search!” spat Rooster.

“Involving the emperor’s guard would complicate things. The fact that the military is involved is more than enough trouble for us,” said Shi Hu. “Bo?”

Snake bowed her head.

“I heard an interesting story from the Souran Knight Captain’s new squire. He said they fought a dragon and a strange hunter who wore a cat mask helped them. He also reported a girl using a strange tube as a weapon.”

“It’s possible they just climbed through the mountains,” said Rooster.

“It would be easier to climb the walls,” said Snake. “After all, he’s done it once.”

“Guong?” said Shi Hu.

“I believe that they escaped when the Souran rushed that knight home,” said Ox. “The Knight Captain insisted that only Souran soldiers escorted him when they left. It happened too quickly for us to intervene.”

“So they’ve escaped.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Shi Hu took a deep breath.

“You three shall report to Hanzuo and stay on standby until I have need of you. Before you leave, Bo, send a bird to Lian Ho and inform her of the situation. Do congratulate her on the birth of her nephew.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Shi Hu watched them leave. He took deep breaths, letting the rage drain from his body. There was one advantage that he had gained over Na Jen and the military. He pulled a bronze etching out from his robe and saw the children who bore their parents’ faces.